Private tour in Kyoto Katsuko O

A Full Day Visit to Stunning Kyoto Japanese Gardens

4.6

(5) reviews

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Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Katsuko O.

5.0

Guide rating

156

Reviews

Tours delivered

11 hrs

Avg. response time

Hello, my name is Katsuko. I was born and grew up in Osaka, later lived in Tokyo, then Singapore and Kyoto. Now I live in Otsu in Shiga prefecture. I have more than 15 years of experience working in a multinational corporation and now working as a national licensed guide-interpreter. One of my hobbies is travelling abroad and so far I have visited more than fifty countries. Kansai area including Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Shiga is the cultural center of Japan and has great historical importance. I can offer you unique experiences in this beautiful area, which can include visits to traditional Japanese gardens, ancient temples and shrines, authentic Japanese cultural experiences. I can guide you around all Kansai area including Osaka, Nara, Shiga (such as Lake Biwa, Hikone, Omihachiman, Shigaraki pottery village etc.), Mt. Koya (Koyasan), Mt. Hiei (Hieizan), Mt. Yoshino, old samurai trails such as Nakasendo/Tokaido and so on. Considering the recent issue of overtourism, one of the highly recommended destinations is Shiga, which is a neighboring prefecture of Kyoto and easily accessible from Kyoto/Osaka, and I have a couple of tours to visit Shiga. Additionally, I can also work as an interpreter, when you require interpretation while experiencing traditional crafts and traditional culture at such workshops. I will endeavor to make sure that you will have an enjoyable and memorable trip. I look forward to guiding you here in Japan. - National Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN00750) - City of Kyoto Visitors Host - Licensed Guide certified by City of Kyoto (EN00054) - Nara Prefectural Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN00036) - Mt. Koya and Kumano Area Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN00195) - International SAKE Sommelier

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Katsuko O.

Overview of your Kyoto tour

Kyoto is a paradise for garden lovers. With this tour, you can visit several beautiful Japanese gardens with various styles. This tour will best fit if you would like to feel the art of Japanese gardens and look for time to relax. 1. A pure land style garden Pure land style garden is a style of Buddhist temple garden which intends to reproduce the Pure Land or a Buddhist paradise. 2. A pond and island garden Pond gardens are often designed for a pleasure of walking or sitting in a beautiful environment surrounded by nature. 3. A dry landscape garden (or ZEN garden) Development of Zen gardens was a way to express Zen thoughts. It does not use water and instead expresses water figuratively using materials such as sands and gravels. 4. An early modern naturalistic style garden. 5. Tea garden (Roji garden) The tea garden is a path which leads visitors from the everyday world to the Teahouse, where tea ceremony is held.

Your Kyoto tour itinerary

A suggested itinerary will be 1. Murina-an -> 2. Nanzen-ji temple -> 3. Nanzen-in -> 4. Ginkaku-ji temple -> (if time permits) 5. Tofuku-ji Komyo-in and Funda-in. The itinerary can also be created by selecting gardens from the listed places in below according to your preference. 1. A pure land style garden - Byodo-in temple 2. A pond and island garden - Ginkaku-Ji temple also known as the silver pavilion 3. A dry landscape garden (or ZEN garden) - Nanzen-Ji, Kennin-Ji, Daitoku-ji, Tofuku-Ji, Ryoan-Ji temple 4. An early modern naturalistic style garden - Murin-an 5. A tea garden (or Roji garden) - Tofuku-Ji Funda-in Other gardens based on your request.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Train

Public transportation (train, subway) and/or taxi

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. This tour is not covered by insurance, so please make sure you are under your own insurance.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets
Meeting location

Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Meeting at your hotel is recommended

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
Art And Culture
Religious Sites
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Tour reference number
429483
Languages
Japanese
English
Activity level
Moderate
4.6

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Kyoto

5 reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Kyoto best suited for?

This private tour in Kyoto is perfect for garden lovers and those who wish to experience the art of Japanese gardens. It's ideal for travellers looking to relax and enjoy the serene beauty of various garden styles, including pure land, pond and island, dry landscape (Zen), early modern naturalistic, and tea gardens.

Can this private tour in Kyoto be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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